CHAPTER VII. 



THE ORIGINAL CANARY GENERAL REMARKS. 



THERE is probably no bird so well known and so universally 

 admired throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain 

 and Ireland as the canary. It may without hesitation be pro- 

 nounced the " household pet," as it is beloved and esteemed by 

 all classes, from the humblest cotter in the land, even to Royalty 

 itself, it being a well-known fact that our much-beloved Queen 

 takes great interest in these charming little choristers. 



The canary is, without doubt, one of the most charming pets 

 that can possibly be possessed, and, but for the fact that some 

 high-minded people, whose notions are peculiarly aristocratic, 

 imagine that everything pertaining to canary breeding must of 

 necessity be plebeian in character, it would most assuredly hold 

 a much more important position, as a fancy, than it hitherto has 

 done. But why this notion should be associated with canary 

 fanciers more than with pigeon, rabbit, poultry, and dog fanciers, 

 I am at a loss to understand. I have passed through the entire 

 category of these fancies, as a fancier, and despite my most 

 earnest endeavours to solve the mystery I am positively unable 

 to do so. I will venture to say that there is no bird more 

 engaging in manner than a canary -, nor any more gay, happy, 

 and cheerful in confinement, and withal so harmonious; their 

 power of memory and imitation is perfectly wonderful, and the 

 attachment of many of those birds to the individuals who supply 

 their daily wants and treat them kindly is widely known, so 

 that, for those who are in pursuit of a harmless and innocent 



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